There are two outbreaks underway on Lac La Ronge Indian Band reserves. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Coronavirus

Private gatherings blamed for outbreaks in La Ronge and Stanley Mission: NITHA

Jan 6, 2021 | 1:22 PM

Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) Chief Tammy Cook-Searson said a lack of social distancing during the holiday season is to blame for the outbreaks in La Ronge (Kitaski) and Stanley Mission.

“The reason why the medical health officer declared the outbreaks in our communities is because of gatherings that were held during Christmas and also household parties that were held during New Year’s,” she said. “There’s also evidence of community transmission on the cases, so that means they are not linked to a certain close contact or to a contact. We do have community transmission, so that means that its more challenging to be able to contain.”

As of Jan. 5, the LLRIB had 82 active cases with 59 on-reserve in La Ronge, 16 in Stanley Mission, three in Grandmother’s Bay, two in Hall Lake and two in Sucker River. There has also been one death and 139 recovered cases. As of Jan. 6, there were 341 cases in the Far North East region, which includes La Ronge.

At the end of November, there were no active cases in any LLRIB communities. Cook-Searson believes residents need to continue to follow health orders such as social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands and not visiting others.

“COVID-19 is a serious health threat and it spreads really fast,” she said. “You don’t know who is carrying it because people can be asymptomatic.”

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

Cybercrime response

Prince Albert Police Service 'limited in scope' to properly investigate fraud crimes

Nov 17, 2025

Cook-Searson mentioned the band needs to continue to build capacity in the number of self-isolation units available. The units are for people who need to isolate, but otherwise can’t because of crowded conditions or for other reasons. Cook-Searson noted there have been instances where RCMP and the medical health officer are called because an individual is not self-isolating.

In La Ronge, the LLRIB is using the former SARCAN recycling building as a location for isolation units. Cook-Searson explained the units are designed to be comfortable, so they include entertainment, as well as meals. She also added security is on-site to ensure there are no issues.

“For the most time, we find the majority of the people who have contracted COVID-19 or named as close contacts are complying with the health order,” Cook-Searson said.

–

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno